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Japan & South Korea Explored

  • Duration
    22 days
  • Tour Type
    Cruise & Tour
  • Price From
    £9,240pp
OFFERS
Cruise & Tour Brochure Launch Offer

Partner Flies Free or 50% flight discount for solos saving up to £450pp. Offer ends: 12 May 2025 See Offers

Journey through the rich culture of Japan across the Korea Strait to the timeless wonders of South Korea on one magical journey. Our Cruise & Tour journeys bring together all the joy of a cruise onboard the Norwegian Jade with all the exciting explorations of a Wendy Wu Tours land itinerary. Explore Kyoto, the beauty of the Japanese Alps and Tokyo, before cruising around Honshu – Japan's largest island – and across to South Korea's capital Seoul, pausing at Jeju Island en route.
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 21 , Lunches: 19 , Dinners: 18
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Tour Itinerary

Our new and exciting Cruise and Tour Package includes many classic sights and key cultural activities in Japan and South Korea. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes.

  • Days 1-2
    Arrive in Osaka
    Days 1-2: Arrive in Osaka

    Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kyoto, where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 3
    Explore Kyoto
    Day 3: Explore Kyoto

    Spend the day discovering the treasures of the timeless city of Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. You'll begin at the enchanting Kinkaku-ji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion', before contemplating the famous Zen Garden at Ryoanj-ji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon. Later, explore the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tagetsukyo Bridge.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    More Kyoto
    Day 4: More Kyoto

    Soak up more of Kyoto's rich history with a wander through the beautiful Kiyomizu temple complex, from where you'll get beautiful views over the city. Lunch will be a traditional sukiyaki (hotpot) before an exploration of brewing techniques and the cultural significance of sake plus a tasting at the Matsui Shuzou Museum. Then, climb the forested slopes of Fushimi Inari Shrine, passing through the many vermilion red torii gates.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Bullet train to Kanazawa
    Day 5: Bullet train to Kanazawa

    All aboard one of Japan's renowned shinkansen (bullet trains) to Kanazawa. Stroll through the traditional Higashi Chaya district to see the historic architecture then learn the art of making gold leaf. Finally, learn about samurai life at the Nomura Samurai Residence.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Travel to Takayama
    Day 6: Travel to Takayama

    This morning, savour the beauty of Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and admire the artworks at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Then travel into the countryside to discover the delights of rural Takayama. End the day enjoying the exhibits of the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall and the Kusakabe Folk Museum and strolling down Kamisannomachi Street.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Explore Takayama
    Day 7: Explore Takayama

    Walk through Takayama market to admire the piles of fresh, local produce followed by a visit to Takayama Jinya, an Edo period, earthen walled rice granary and a stroll through the streets of the old town, which are lined with traditional dwellings. Explore the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum that showcases traditional houses of the region. Travel to Nagano and check into your traditional ryokan accommodation where you can try an onsen and dine on a kaiseki dinner.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Meet the snow monkeys
    Day 8: Meet the snow monkeys

    Transfer to Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the famous, hot spring bathing Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. After a walk through a forest, you'll come across the monkey's pool where you can watch them relax and play. Travel on to Tokyo, Japan's dazzling capital city.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Explore Tokyo
    Day 9: Explore Tokyo

    Spend the day discovering Tokyo. First, you'll visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple, and walk down Nakamise Shopping Street browsing the souvenirs and delicious local snacks. Then ascend to the heady heights of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city. Lunch today is extra special, as you'll be making your own! Enjoy a sushi making class before dining on your creations. This afternoon, see the Imperial Palace and Meiji Jingu Shrine, and walk along Takeshita Street to taste some local treats. There will also be a photo stop at the famous Shibuya Crossing.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Nikko
    Day 10: Nikko

    Today travel to the ancient city of Nikko to experience its history and local delicacies.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Board the Norwegian Jade

    After breakfast you will be transferred to Tokyo's cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Cruise – Mount Fuji
    Day 12: Cruise – Mount Fuji

    Port at Shimizu, a city of medieval castle ruins, ancient pine groves and traditional gardens. Here, you are ideally located for viewing Mount Fuji or exploring the series of fascinating cultural sights around its base.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Cruise – Nagoya
    Day 13: Cruise – Nagoya

    Built around its magnificent castle, Nagoya has long been a centre of industry, so as well as fascinating museums around manufacturing and technology, there are gardens, shrines and delicious food to discover.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Cruise – Osaka/ Kyoto
    Day 14: Cruise – Osaka/ Kyoto

    Arrive in Osaka, the closest port to Kyoto. Spend another day exploring among ancient architecture, soaking up a rich, age-old culture or sampling some of the city's culinary delights or soak up the buzz of Osaka.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Cruise – Kochi
    Day 15: Cruise – Kochi

    A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful great outdoors and a magnificent 400-year-old castle, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Cruise – Hiroshima
    Day 16: Cruise – Hiroshima

    Arrive at Hiroshima. The first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged for the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Consider visiting the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 17
    Cruise – Kagoshima
    Day 17: Cruise – Kagoshima

    Arrive at Kagoshima, a city at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. Watched over by the active Sakurajima volcano and rich in history and delicious food, and surrounded by glorious nature, there is plenty to discover here.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 18
    Cruise – Nagasaki
    Day 18: Cruise – Nagasaki

    Nagasaki is best known for the events of the 9th of August 1945 but there is so much more to it. Backed by rolling hills and forested islands, with unspoilt beaches, European-style architecture, and ancient roots, it is a delight to explore.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 19
    Cruise – Jeju Island
    Day 19: Cruise – Jeju Island

    Welcome to South Korea! Port at Jeju Island, South Korea's favourite holiday and honeymoon spot. A volcanic island of rugged peaks, lush forest and white sand beaches, it is an excellent place to not only enjoy a bit of all out relaxation, but to explore a wealth of unique ancient traditions.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 20
    Arrive in Seoul
    Day 20: Arrive in Seoul

    Bid farewell to the Norwegian Jade. Met by a guide, you will be transferred to your hotel in Seoul where the rest of the day is at leisure.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 21
    Explore Seoul
    Day 21: Explore Seoul

    Spend the day seeing the sights of Seoul, starting at the Gwanghwamun Square where you can start to discover the city's long history before passing through the magnificent gate of the Gyeongbok Palace complex to watch the Changing of the Guards ceremony. You'll then change into traditional Korean clothes to explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighbourhood of restored traditional houses, for a fascinating step back in time. Take part in a kimchi making demonstration, then take a guided stroll along the picturesque Cheonggyecheon Stream. The day ends in Myeongdong, an area renowned for its fashion boutiques and street food stalls, where you'll be able to get a feel for contemporary Seoul.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 22
    Fly Seoul to UK
    Day 22: Fly Seoul to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or the following day.

    • Breakfast
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 4°c
  • 270mm
  • Kyoto
  • 5°c
  • 50mm
  • Nagano
  • 0°c
  • 51mm
  • Seoul
  • -2°c
  • 21mm
  • Tokyo
  • 5°c
  • 65mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 4°c
  • 172mm
  • Kyoto
  • 6°c
  • 68mm
  • Nagano
  • 0°c
  • 50mm
  • Seoul
  • 1°c
  • 25mm
  • Tokyo
  • 6°c
  • 58mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 7°c
  • 159mm
  • Kyoto
  • 9°c
  • 113mm
  • Nagano
  • 4°c
  • 59mm
  • Seoul
  • 6°c
  • 47mm
  • Tokyo
  • 9°c
  • 77mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 13°c
  • 137mm
  • Kyoto
  • 14°c
  • 116mm
  • Nagano
  • 11°c
  • 54mm
  • Seoul
  • 13°c
  • 64mm
  • Tokyo
  • 14°c
  • 118mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 17°c
  • 155mm
  • Kyoto
  • 19°c
  • 161mm
  • Nagano
  • 16°c
  • 75mm
  • Seoul
  • 18°c
  • 106mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 145mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 22°c
  • 185mm
  • Kyoto
  • 23°c
  • 214mm
  • Nagano
  • 21°c
  • 109mm
  • Seoul
  • 23°c
  • 133mm
  • Tokyo
  • 22°c
  • 135mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 26°c
  • 232mm
  • Kyoto
  • 27°c
  • 220mm
  • Nagano
  • 25°c
  • 134mm
  • Seoul
  • 25°c
  • 395mm
  • Tokyo
  • 26°c
  • 81mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 27°c
  • 139mm
  • Kyoto
  • 29°c
  • 132mm
  • Nagano
  • 26°c
  • 98mm
  • Seoul
  • 26°c
  • 364mm
  • Tokyo
  • 27°c
  • 113mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 23°c
  • 226mm
  • Kyoto
  • 25°c
  • 176mm
  • Nagano
  • 21°c
  • 129mm
  • Seoul
  • 22°c
  • 169mm
  • Tokyo
  • 23°c
  • 131mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 17°c
  • 177mm
  • Kyoto
  • 18°c
  • 121mm
  • Nagano
  • 14°c
  • 83mm
  • Seoul
  • 15°c
  • 52mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 132mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 12°c
  • 265mm
  • Kyoto
  • 12°c
  • 71mm
  • Nagano
  • 8°c
  • 44mm
  • Seoul
  • 7°c
  • 52mm
  • Tokyo
  • 12°c
  • 128mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 7°c
  • 282mm
  • Kyoto
  • 7°c
  • 48mm
  • Nagano
  • 3°c
  • 46mm
  • Seoul
  • 1°c
  • 22mm
  • Tokyo
  • 8°c
  • 109mm
+ -
Japan & South Korea Explored map

Places Visited: UK – Kyoto (3N) – Kanazawa (1N) - Nagano (1N) – Tokyo (3N) – NCL Cruise (9N) – Seoul (2N)

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

Offers
Applicable

New Cruise & Tour Brochure Launch


Save up to £450 per person.
Partner Flies Free or 50% flight Discount for Solo Travellers on all Cruise & Tour Holidays.

If you can find a tour with the same inclusions cheaper, we will match it AND give you a reward. We will also match the price of any Wendy Wu Tour quoted elsewhere and we guarantee the price of your tour will never rise after you've paid.

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SPRING SALE

Enjoy a Free 2 night stopover with every tour. Save up to £450pp.

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Depart UK
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Booking Options

Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Cruise & Tour includes

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